Monday, November 5, 2012

This checklist is as complete as possible and officially approved by Dark Horse Comics/Gold Key Heroes Line Editor, Chris Warner. I have chosen to copy edit and post chronologically each entry of each of the four "Dark Horse Comics/Gold Key Heroes" titles covered in the checklist (Doctor Solar Man Of The Atom, Magnus Robot Fighter, Turok Son Of Stone, and Mighty Samson) using the original publication release month and year, rather than covering each title individually by title only (giving you the order in which they are being printed, purchased, and read). All entries will be accompanied by a quality scan of the issues cover or covers and I will be building the checklist within the body of this post so check back often.

"The dawn of a new age of superhero excitement begins on Free Comic Book Day 2010 as Dark Horse Comics proudly presents the return of two of the most legendary characters in the annals of comics: Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom and Magnus, Robot Fighter -- re-imagined for the 21st century by comics legend, writer Jim Shooter!"

This FCBD extravaganza offered all-new Solar and Magnus stories, each heralding new series launches in summer 2010, and featured interior art by fan-favorite Dennis Calero (X-Men Noir), Bill Reinhold, and cover art by Raymond Swanland. First appearance and modern day introduction of Gold Key Comics' Doctor Solar, Man Of The Atom and Magnus, Robot Fighter. First appearances of Doctor Phillip Solar, Doctor Malcom Clarkson, Doctor Gail Sanders, Royce Dewhurst, Claire Tackitt, and Ray Tackitt Junior in the Doctor Solar, Man Of The Atom story 'Fallout'. References to Kerhonkson -- New York, Atom Valley, The Alpha Fusor Event, Boerne -- Texas, and Ray Tackitt Senior. First appearances of Magnus, Q-Robs Ronno and Jocko, 1A, and Leeja Clane in the Magnus, Robot Fighter story 'Eyes To The Blind'. References to the year 4000 C.E., North Am City, Beltzhoover Industrial Sector, Doctor Fabry Shahpek, Lovejoy Galacticorp Robo Optics Plant, Neville-Stowe District, and Draveaux Exotic Materials Fabrication Plant. An exclusive Diamond Retailer Summit Variant Cover Edition of this comic book limited to 1000 copies was produced for and distributed at the 2010 C2E2 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo.

Notes:Mike Richardson listed as Publisher. Chris Warner listed as Editor. Samantha Robertson listed as Associate Editor. Book Design by Lia Ribacchi. Special thanks given to Colin McLaughlin and Scott Shillet at Classic Media.

"Empowered by a thermonuclear catastrophe, Doctor Solar discovers that he can controlenergy. Immeasurable strength is his at a whim. Power beyond imagination courses through his body. But he knows that the same kind of science run amok that created him can also empower the wicked. In the aftershock of the cataclysm that created Doctor Solar, ripples throughout space time imbue one Whitmore Pickerel with the power to createlife -- which he uses to serve his selfish desires and reckless ambitions. His newly created being, Leviathan, invulnerable and immeasurably strong, clashes with the Man of the Atom in a fierce battle that ravages the city. Meanwhile, for his personal amusement, Pickerel creates Glow, a living fantasy of unearthly charms . . . and deadly possibilities!"

"Jim Shooter (former Valiant Comics editor in chief) returns to the character he redefined in the 1990s!"

First appearances of Leviathan, Whitmore Pickerel, Tanek Nuro, Glow and Doctor Bently. References to New Paltz -- New York, Chubby Robert's (a village pizza restaurant), Texas, Kerhonkson -- New York, Atom Valley Nuclear Laboratory, New York City, Lovejoy International Inc., New Paltz Police Headquarters, and North Chestnut Street. 'Solar's Secret' is a partial reprinting of Doctor Solar, Man Of The Atom No. 1, Gold Key Comics, October 1962. Both Regular and Variant Cover Editions were produced for this first issue. An exclusive Variant Cover Edition of this comic book limited to 2000 copies was produced for and distributed at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con International.

"The continent-spanning city of North Am is a miracle of ingenuity and ambition, a technological paradise where "milespires" pierce the clouds and robots perform virtually all labor, freeing humankind to pursue leisure and bliss. But in the shadows of the sun-drenched towers, human mobsters use robot muscle "thug -- bots" to terrorize the citizenry of North Am. Human trafficking, illegal psychoactive substances, violent crime, and corrosive corruption are suddenly epidemic in the glittering utopia, with only the mighty Robot Fighter to stand against them. When a wealthy heiress is kidnapped, Magnus is drawn into the mob's deepest sanctuary, where Magnus faces the fight of his life against the immensely powerful half robot, half man known as Big Guns."

"Whitmore Pickerel has the power to create living beings out of nothingness, creating new entities designed to suit his own increasingly selfish desires. But now his living, breathing, tremendously powerful creations have turned against him and are pursuing their own agendas. The Man of the Atom fights fiercely to cut short the swath of looting and destruction left in the wake of Glow and Leviathan-and at the climax of the savage conflict, he does something no hero has done before! Meanwhile, Pickerel's fear of his own creations drives him to conjure a supremely powerful guardian to protect him; but what he accomplishes opens the door to disaster. Enter: Moloch, the Devourer. The Man of the Atom is forced to pit his godlike power against the power of a god!”

"Jim Shooter returns to the character he redefined in the 1990s!"

First appearances of Susan and Moloch, The Devourer. References to New Paltz -- New York, Kerhonkson -- New York, Kingston -- New York, Dionysos (a restaurant), and Poughkeepsie -- New York. Glow’s full name revealed to be ‘Glowtorch’ in this issue. It is also revealed in this issue that Doctor Phillip Solar has an ex-wife and son. Roger Robinson begins his run this issue as the regular series artist replacing Dennis Calero.

"At the feet of the milespires of the utopian megalopolis North Am, in the shadowy regions where the dregs of humanity dwell, Magnus invades the stronghold of the "Metal Mob"--human criminals who use robot muscle to plunder and terrorize the city. Big Guns, the cyborg mob enforcer, along with scores of brutal thug--robs and assassins, stands between Magnus and the "Pens," where kidnap victims await ransom, auctioning into off--world slavery, or being sold by weight as a protein source to the Arcturians. Leeja Clane and the stunningly beautiful Cinnette, both kidnap victims, are prime material for the chattel trade. In a lawless land, Magnus fights against an army of ruthless killers to save the Metal Mob's prisoners, especially the woman he is quickly falling in love with."

"Magnus is back with a vengeance! Written by comics legend Jim Shooter!"

First appearances of Shedreg D. Case, Timur, Chooch, Beezer, Tippu, Curgorr, and Overboss Halolani. References to North Am City, the year 4000 C.E., City Center South Sector, Ground-Lev, Goph Lands, Pens, City Center Southwest Sector, Oak Lawn District, City Center Sector, Flaherty Milespire, Major Timbuc, Winnetka Grand District, Case Milespire, Kendall Supermax Security Prison, Cicero Milespire, Hangar Bay One, Chattel Auction Theater, and Joliet District. 'Boss' from the previous issue is named in this issue as 'Boss Sapo'. 'Timur' in this issue is referred to as 'Big Boss'. Mike Manley provided artwork layouts for Bill Reinhold to work over for this issue.

Notes:Mike Richardson listed as Publisher. Chris Warner listed as Editor. Samantha Robertson listed as Associate Editor. Book Design by Lia Ribacchi. Special thanks given to Colin McLaughlin and Scott Shillet at Classic Media.

“Turok, wandering warrior from a far land, rescues Andar, son of a Chiricahua chief, from the ruthless King Maxtla and his Aztec horde. Pursued into a vast cavern, prey and predators are swept away by an unimaginable force to a savage, timeless land of nightmares and miracles, where dinosaurs thunder and rampage. Beset by bloodthirsty enemies and beasts, Turok and Andar encounter an even deadlier threat-the fearsome Panther People and their mesmerizing goddess, Aasta.”

"Turok returns! All-new series written by Jim Shooter!"

First appearance and modern day introduction of Gold Key Comics' Turok, Son Of Stone. First appearances of Turok, Andar, Andar’s Father (unnnamed), King Maxtla, Maxtla’s Aztec Horde, Maxtla’s Captain (unnamed), Coyote (unnamed in this issue, but called Nadahéndé by Andar), Aasta (unnamed in this issue), and Aasta’s Panther People (unnamed in this issue). References to Misi-Ziibi, Na’isha, Mextli (Aztec God), Az-Cah-Pot-Zalco, Aztlán, and Shorn Ones. Andar explains that the Nadahéndé are like his own people. Turok tells Andar that the name he (Turok) has given him (Andar) means “Strong Roots” and that his name (Turok’s) means “Young Hawk.” ‘Turok, Son Of Stone And The World Below’ is a partial reprinting of Turok, Son Of Stone No. 1, Four Color Comics No. 596, Dell Comics, December 1954. Both Regular and Variant Cover Editions were produced for this first issue.

"The dark god Moloch the Devourer pits his demonic hellfire against the thermonuclear fury of Doctor Solar. Whitmore Pickerel, whose power to bring his imagination into existence unleashed the Devourer, conjures the mighty sun--god Surya for protection. But instead, Surya bows before Moloch, and the Man of the Atom faces cosmic-scale war on a second front. With the power of Solar pitted against the god of the sun, can the planet survive?"

Notes: Mike Richardson listed as Publisher. Chris Warner listed as Editor. Samantha Robertson listed as Associate Editor. Book Design by Justin Couch. Special thanks given to Colin McLaughlin and Scott Shillet at Classic Media. No colorist credits given this issue.

“Surya the Sun God, Moloch the Devourer, and hordes of monsters made of living stone assail Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom, pressing him to the limit. Help comes from an unlikely source as Solar's former foe Leviathan pits his awesome strength against the terrifying forces massed against "Red Suit," but even Leviathan's might can only delay defeat and death. But the key to the Man of the Atom's power is his indomitable will, and, his spirits buoyed by beautiful Dr. Gail Sanders, the woman he is falling for faster than the speed of light, Solar will need every quantum of his power and purpose to rally and administer the greatest atomic ass--kicking of all time!”

"The supernova return of Doctor Solar,Man of the Atom blazes on under the direction of legendary writer Jim Shooter!"

"Five--hundred years after the end of the world, amid the ruins of a once--great city scourged by mutated monsters, marauders, and savage subhuman predators, the primitive N'Yark tribe ekes out a meager, fragile existence. But from among them rises a champion, gifted with prodigious strength--a warrior who can strike dead the most fearsome beast and stand alone against an army. Singlehandedly, he holds at bay the ravaging barbarian hordes of Jerz, thwarting the dark ambitions of beautiful, ruthless Queen Terra. At stake is the future of the world. Mighty Samson is the last, best hope of humankind."

”For the first time in a quarter century, Mighty Samson returns to comics, reimagined by legendary writer Jim Shooter!”

First appearance and modern day introduction of Gold Key Comics’ Mighty Samson. First appearances of Samson, Sharmaine, Mindor, Judge Ashur, N’yark Tribe, Warlord Richter, Captain Sunder, Tranquility, Alma, Zarsk, Narts, Jerz Vanguard, Warriors Of Jerz, Moishe, Ray Daniel, and Queen Terra Of Jerz.References to Great Compound Of The N’yark Tribe, Island Of Broken Towers, Hut Of Tranquility and Alma, Siege Camp Of The Hordes Of Jerz, Lore-Speakers, Doomsday Cataclysm, Testament (Lore-Speakers teachings and laws), Fallen Temple, and Oratorium. Zarsk becomes Judge Zarsk this issue. Samson grows from an infant child to an adult of 19 years of age this issue. Tranquility and Alma revealed to be Mighty Samson’s parents this issue.‘Mighty Samson’ is a partial reprinting of Mighty Samson No. 1, Gold Key Comics, July 1964.Both Regular and Variant Cover Editions were produced for this first issue.

“In the year 4000, savage illegal prizefights operate in the shadows of the milespires. In one corner, the deadly, gen--enhanced number--one contender--Hyppolyta. In the other corner, the remorseless robotic champion--Steelhammer, who has annihilated every opponent he has faced, man or machine. Drawn unwillingly into the ring to save a life, Magnus must battle them both--steel--smashing man against super--woman, robot fighter vs. robot fighter--to the death.”

“All--new series written by Jim Shooter!”

First appearances of Steelhammer, Scrapper-Strong, M’relli, Care-41/Carrie (Nurse/Q-Rob), Hippolyta, Chugger, Scunge, KO-10/Kayo. References to North Am City, the year 4000 C.E., City Center Sector, Woodley Milespire, Cloud-Lev 361 (the home of Cinette Victoria), Chopper-Chiang, Case Milespire, Great Lakes East Sector, Cloud-Lev 203, City Center South Sector, Ground-Lev, Goph Lands, City Center North, Lakeview District, Grace-Boystown Milespire, Metal Mob Control Nexus. Magnus has new uniform made for this issue. Steelhammer revealed to be a Q-Rob in this issue.

"Five hundred years after the end of the world, mutated monsters prowl the desolate wilds, and savage marauders from the wastelands of Jerz scourge the helpless N'Yark tribe. Samson, the strongest man on Earth, defender of the N'Yark, singlehandedly invades the forbidding fortress of Terra, Queen of the Jerz. Ten thousand hardened Jerz warriors swarm to her defense. The odds for survival look grim. If only the Jerz had more warriors!”

First appearances of Esmay, Nayhor (Lore Speaker), Angel and Peaches (Esmay’s daughters). References to Great Compound Of The N’yark Tribe, Island Of Broken Towers, Samson’s Dwelling, South Wall Of The Great Compound, The Seecawk Fenlands, The Dome, Queen Terra’s Chambers. Nayhor and Samson’s mother appear in a flashback sequence this issue. Captain Sunder becomes Warlord Sunder this issue.

Notes: Mike Richardson listed as Publisher. Chris Warner listed as Editor. Samantha Robertson listed as Associate Editor. Book Design by Justin Couch. Lia Ribacchi listed as Art Director. Special thanks given to Colin McLaughlin and Scott Shillett at Classic Media. Bonus feature Solar Rise (Solar's origin) begins this issue."Doctor Solar, the Man of the Atom, is the greatest single power in existence. But Tanek Nuro, a ruthless global power broker, has acquired the key code to the operating system of the universe, and he means to change things. With no limit to Nuro's monstrous ambition and only Doctor Solar in his way, a war of biblical proportions starts now. Also starting now, the origin saga of the Man of the Atom. How did a middle--aged man of science come to command the fires of creation?"

"Everything you know . . . and everything you didn't . . . comes to the fore in this double--feature extravaganza not to be missed!""Solar's origin revealed!"